Jean

I’ve only recently discovered your blog, but I really appreciate it. I don’t even know if I have Celiac’s. I don’t think I do, but I think I might be gluten sensitive. I’m going to try going gluten free–but decided to be “good” and get tested first. My GI’s receptionist was downright rude and wouldn’t even let me make an appointment, because my most severe symptoms are not GI related. Hopefully my GP will do the test on Wednesday. I’m kind of planning a sit-in if he won’t.

All the info here and invitations for discussion and feedback have been really comforting.

Thankful for Whole Foods

Dude – great rhyming! Even better advocacy….you are right – life is too short. Thanks for having such thick skin and standing up for the gluten free community! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – your blog is a HUGE help to me. THANK YOU!

Where do I start?
(YO KEN! I am going to post a long one now, so get ready…:) )

Are you kidding me? Seriously? what is this woman…10? lmao

So glad I miss these various exchanges on FB, twitter and wherever else people post their many angry thoughts. Call me a dinosaur, but I seem to do all right without being a part of all that social media circus. (besides, I take enough guff on two sites already) lol

FB is just an open space for people to “like or dislike” anything about you–which essentially is the same as putting yourself out there for ridicule, judgement and scoffing. Who needs that crap?

Hey, here’s an interesting note!

It is believed that in Roman ancient times, people used a” thumb’s up” as a sign of approval and”thumb’s down” as a way of condemnation, so someone’s life was spared or taken.

BUT IT”S ACTUALLY INCORRECT.
Thumb’s up was encouragement to run the sword right through the
man on the ground and thumb’s down (or hidden by being tucked inside a fist) meant “throw down your sword and spare him”.http://bernd.wechner.info/Hitchhiking/Thumb/

So, take that for what’s it worth ….and from now on, never give a rat’s butt about what petty people think about you.

How many times do I have to send you this quote? lol
Okay, here it is again:

“If you’re afraid to defend your convictions because you might get your ass kicked for it, you’re not really fit to advocate for them.” — James Carlos Blake

Well, my friend…you are fit to advocate. Sorry you are tired right now, but I am not sure it is just because you have celiac, but perhaps with juggling too many plates in the air right now and possibly getting that CC hit somewhere last week? Stress –for anyone with autoimmune disease– creates inflammation, fatigue and pain, so.get some rest!!.

You have to be well for your trip in a few weeks. I will be deeply disappointed if you do not make it down here. I mean, you do owe me a drink (or five) .

Ken

Haha Irish Heart! I was ready.
I remember seeing the post on a short break at work last night and thought, “me too Dude.” I didn’t get a chance to read the comments.
And no, I didn’t take my B Complex yesterday- stupid considering I saw my doctor yesterday and she asked me about it.

Dude, you answered Linda perfectly. Especially with the reactionary, anonymous nature of the internet.

Sue in Alberta

Sooooo tired of the crap that people fling around. Like Irish, I
have chosen to not be a part of FB etc etc either. I really don’t care if someone just combed their hair or is “liking” a brand of chips.
Dude, you’re a lightning rod for this community. So, rest – if you’re on the floor, peel yourself off and drag your body to a softer surface.
Hang in there, buddy.

Hope you are feeling better. I have encountered many angry celiacs and the New GF people that are not celiacs but follow some fad Dr’s are really RUDE and I bet she was one of them. I have had negative comments on my cooking blog because I might use corn or potato or something not organic or Paleo in a recipe. I really feel your pain because like you I work a full time job and have blogged my recipes on the side for several years with no adds or money. It costs money to do and takes a lot of time so we are in a negative balance Dude. I am the only dietitian in the only hospital in a rural county who takes care of sick people all day. If I am posting a recipe for my celiac patient on food stamps that involves corn or potatoes or something she can get at Aldis and not a gourmet Whole Foods ingredient and you don’t like that, just go somewhere else.
I appreciate your blog because you say things that I can’t say.

SueS.

You’ve made a positive impact on this community. Unfortunately, once that happens, the negative nannies come out of the woodwork. They aren’t worth your energy. Especially when you have so little to share. Hang in there and know you are greatly appreciated by 99.9% of us.

PS: Have you had your thyroid checked? I hate to add more stuff to think about, but have your B12 checked and get a thyroid panel done. I know, I know — if it’s not 1 thing, it’s 10 others. Sending good energy your way.

Can you guys recommend a brand of biotics? I took a store brand for a few weeks and it didn’t help at all. It just made me have lots of weird dreams, which was pretty cool. How long did you have to take it to get a benefit?

Greg
Different strains do different things.
Lactobacillus GG is for chronic diarrhea.
It’s naturally sourced and has been clinically studied. (OTC brand Culturelle contains it, for example)

Multi-strain ones( like Florajen3 for example) help with many bowel and digestive issues.

A specific commercially available probiotic, VSL#3 (containing 8 different bacteria), has been shown “to reduce the toxicity of gluten when used in a fermentation process” in one study. (Not to be used as a “protective shield” and then, eat gluten of course) lol

I switch the brands up every few months to get a broad range.

Our friend and fellow celiac, Jess (who is an MD) wrote about probiotics recently here:

You are all kinds of awesome, Dude. This made my day. I was told the other day that my “gluten problems” were due to weakness of the mind and body. The haters just don’t quit. I was upset but after reading this poem, I’d much rather approach them the way you do. Thanks Dude!

Iliana Bates

Musicmidget

I had a rough week last week myself Dude. I hope you’re feeling better today!

As for the haters, they’ll always find something to complain about. For those of us who live daily with this lovely little ailment, we shouldn’t dwell on it but we definitely have a right to complain about it sometimes. It ain’t all sunshine and roses! There are certainly worse illnesses out there, but that doesn’t mean that celiac is easy or any less devastating. I appreciate your approach because I couldn’t do what you do. Some things need to be said and if some people take that as being negative, that’s their problem. Just know that you are a very valuable resource to this community and we appreciate you!

One final thought. I saw an online profile yesterday that said “celiac and loving it!” My only thought was, this person must be delusional.

Stephanie Gabriel

I am new to this site and have been in tears all morning reading in print what others are sharing and it just so happens to be the same things that are going on with my body and in my head! Everyday is rough for me while I am still figuring this whole Celiac thing out and how to be healthy. I must say that your post was spot on! Thank you for posting and Gluten Dude, thank you for having this blog. I so desperately need a realistic view on this Gluten Free/Celiac journey!

Karen Crutchfield

Law of the Garbage Truck
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us.

My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.

My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.
So I asked, “Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!”

This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, ‘The Law of the Garbage Truck.’

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they’ll dump it on you. Don’t take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don’t take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life’s too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so …. Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don’t. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Chris Lamb

carly

How do people have so much extra time to devote to banding against a blogger? I mean, it takes some serious time and effort and it’s all put into being negative and malicious. Seems crazy to me to spend precious time and resources on something that isn’t productive and just breeds bad feelings all around. I feel bad for people who do not have anything more valuable to do with their time. It’s a shame they are missing out on all the fun stuff.

I think there is only ONE reason that people might be against the Dude and it has nothing to do with him personally. The reason is MONEY. There are lots of people out there right now making a lot of money from gluten-free scams and if he calls them out it hurts them in their pocketbooks. I quote Shakespeare for the Dude because he is sticking to the high road and because it is my day off work and I’m trying not to clean house.

Well often I am happy my little blog does not garner attention as I can see how great sites like this one can sometimes be plagued with such negativity. I admire your approach to the “negative” people Gluten Dude … and as I have said in the past I really appreciate and admire your realistic approach to this disease.

It’s not easy … there are days where it simply sucks … days where it is so freakin’ hard to just roll out of bed and get on with living our very busy lives. It is hard enough to explain things to people that don’t understand celiac disease or how gluten can affect your “whole entire system” to people without the disease, but it can be so disheartening when those with the disease attack each other.

Thank you for keeping it light … even when the situation may not be … and putting once again a realistic twist on it ~ in the great scheme of things we have to just ignore the haters … WE ALL have enough to deal with on a daily basis.

I thank you for being out here … and spending the time you do within your busy life … to be here for us all, advocate for us, stand up when you see errors and often put a twist on something that just makes us smile.

I appreciate you … AND I hope you feel stronger soon … celiac tired sucks … I fight with it a lot ~ get some rest.

David

One of the reasons I’m not on FB. I wish I knew why some people feel like they have to be so mean. The last few days there’s been pizza. donuts, muffins, cake, Ritz Crackers and Cheezits at work. Yeah, this damn disease sucks, and nobody deserves it. Not even people like the Linda’s of the world…….well, I might change my mind about that, because I am absolutely sick of this disease and the people who say it’s no big deal.

Honestly, the time some people have on their hands to go around and spread their hate on the internet just amazes me. I appreciate that you advocate and engage. You are doing it well.
It is amazing how 1 negative comment sticks out more in a blogger’s head than 20 positives. I’m trying to get past that and just delete, ban, and move on. I’ve got gluten-free cupcakes to bake…

Interesting….I just saw an amazing science story on TV the other day about this very thing.

Apparently, there is a section in our brain that is activated when we are criticized and it causes us to hold onto that one negative thought and run it over and over in our minds. Has to do with our natural instinct to defend ourselves. ” Scientists call it negativity bias. The theory is that bad news makes a much bigger impact on our brains, and it’s been that way since the caveman days, when our lives depended on being able to remember, above all, what could kill us.”

“We’re still walking around with this Stone Age brain right between our ears, with these ancient circuits in it,” said psychologist Rick Hanson. “So as a result, people are much more likely to remember bad news about somebody else, than they’re likely to remember good information about somebody else – thus, negative ads in politics.”

Claudia

I love ya Gluten Dude and don’t ever change. I get Celiac tired too even when I have not been glutened. You help us. Some people don’t know how to keep their mouths shut. I hope you are kicking up you heels soon. Peace out and in.

Betsy

I guess this is why I’ve lost most interest in FB since I signed up a year ago – I really don’t get the “hating”. I discovered your blog a couple months ago and I like what I read. I am not celiac (that I know of), but I do know that I have virtually eliminated my fibromyalgia symptoms of 20 years by going GF (a change initially recommended by my son’s MD for his ADHD and ASD – there’s that whole GF sub-community too). A recent rheumatologist visit confirmed I still “have” fibro (trigger points, etc.), but I’ve had more energy than I’ve had in years (my husband was the first to notice) – I don’t hit those “brick walls”. When I do have a flare it’s much less lousy, and much shorter. Apparently I’ve cleaned out my body so well, that the couple of times I’ve been glutened, I actually got nauseous and/or ill (depending on how much gluten I got), and I never had gut symptoms per se prior to going GF. Why would I want to go back? I CLEARY have a gluten intolerance, and though recent research indicates that for me and others like me it might be something else in the wheat that causes it (and yes, I would sure like to know when when they figure it out), but for now the treatment is the same. I also like to volunteer that I read a medical study that explains WHY GF helps rheumatoid arthritis. We’re all in the same boat, some of us more than others (I thank my stars that I’m not horribly sensitive to trace cross-contamination, but I would speak out for those who are). Keep up the good work, Dude, and I’ll help you kick Dr. Oz to the curb.

Comrade Svilova

Thanks for your site! I don’t think you’re overly negative; rants and getting the anger out can be really productive. I come here and reread posts sometimes when I’m having a rough day, and it generally makes me feel better.

Camille

Lou

Dude, hang in there! Love your blog and advocacy – it really has made a difference to me coping with this disease – though thats also through following IrishHeart’s advice and having a daily probiotic (IH – huge thanks – probiotics = amazing improvement).

Tandra Goodwin

Thank you for the wonderful feedback! It’s not fun to have hater’s pitch a campaign against you. I stay as far away from them as I can and just surround myself with people who love me and I love. My husband and I love you, Mrs. Dude and the family. Thanks for being a part of our life and an advocate for the celiac community. I don’t always agree with everything you say, however, I try to be diplomatic and say what I feel with love – compassion- and forgiveness. The Linda’s of the world who are full of hate, only know hate. Now I’d hate to be a hater, they are usually miserable people. It takes alot of work to be positive and to advocate health and wellness for the celiac community. My hat is off to you! Kindest regards, Tandra

Stacy Shapiro

Keep moving forward:) Love your blog!!! Have you tried Nascobal? It’s a prescription B-12 nasal spray it’s intended for people like us that aren’t able to absorb key nutrients like B-12 (energy source) since it’s a nasal spray it doesn’t go through the digestive tract it goes through the inner lining of the nasal area then directly to the bloodstream. I wasn’t having any success with the shots as it can cause additonal GI issues. Anyway here’s the link there’s a coupon available to use along with insurance that makes it $25.00 per month instead of $100.00 it doesn’t get rid of those occasional “Celiac days” but it makes them fewer and farther between.

Kimberly Kuehl

Wow! Great poem, spouse and I already turned into song! She sounds like her wiring is not quite right and no time for Linda. Too bad she had to hurt feelings along the way….Dude u are too smart, funny, and have a good soul. You have helped me in many ways. Husband back to 100% gluten free with me( he is big guitar player) amongst other things. You contributed to this decision! So bye bye Linda, gotta go, no energy for you, too much to do! Kim Kuehl

Lynn Paul

Well, some of us love what you do! I’m not celiac, but gluten-sensitive and I am frustrated often! I’m glad you call out those you call out, you are so darn positive but you want to feel good, WHO DOESN’T WANT THAT?? If those who are “tired of our whining” had the same thing happen when they ate, the heads would roll! Keep it up, Dude!!

Jantzen King

Rachael

In the words of my 8 year old Celiac,…..”She thinks she’s hot snot on a griddle but she’s really cold boogers on a paper plate.” I thought that was appropriate given Linda’s apparent maturity level. That’s all I have to say about that!

E.J.

You’re so great, you can even turn a troll into a poetic muse! And what a fine poem. You are a man of many talents.

I haven’t been commenting much lately–too exhausted!–but I read everything you post. You are a great support to so many. I’m sorry the self-hating, jealous trolls have found their way to you. I suppose it’s simply the mark of a well-loved and successful web presence… alas. It brings ’em out of the woodwork.

Claudette

You know, Dude… haters gonna hate. I get this all the time in peer review for academic journals… it’s their way of leaving a mark because they don’t leave one anywhere else. Sorry I’ve been out of circulation (dissertation not recurrence of breast cancer) but want to tell you to ROCK ON.

cynthia

I recently cut loose a so called friend due to a long laudry list of reasons. At the top of this list was her many insensitive remarks about how I caused my celiac disease because of my love of breads. another favorite remark of hers was, I dont’ know why you think this way of eating is so hard after all you can eat all the meat fruits and veggies you want, this usually is always as she is stuffing breads, pasta, pie cake into her mouth. these type of people i consider toxic and like any poison avoid them at all cost.
I truely appreciate all the awareness you bring to our disease and the calling out people that dimiss celiac disease as a trendy diet. ignorant people can be so very exhausting and i for one don’t give them the time of my day.
thanks again GD for all the good you do keep up our fight

Kelly

Missy

I was having a really really bad day because I got glutened yesterday and my joints hurt so so so bad and I’m 21 but I feel 121 and I’m barely able to type because my hands are killing me but I typically don’t complain at work just keep popping oscillococcinum and DigestZen and pretending my migraine isn’t there and my gut doesn’t hurt and those farts aren’t coming from me and hide a snarl when a co-worker leaves early because she is “soooo” tired and wants to go watch TV so I have to cover her shift. But I smile and wave and try not to cry and when I get home what do I do? Log on to gluten dude of course and this just made my day a tiny bit better. thank you.

Who is Gluten Dude??

Somebody who's been gluten-free since 2007 due to a diagnosis of Celiac disease, where the doc said my numbers were "off the charts". Someone who can steer you in the right direction when it comes to going gluten-free. And someone who will always give you the naked truth about going gluten free.

I didn’t find freedom, a better life or any of that other crap when I got diagnosed. With all due respect to Hunter S. Thompson, I found fear and loathing of an unknown world. But if I can share my wisdom, tell my stories and make the transition easier on you, I’ve done my job.